Hydraulics Finalexpt

HYDRAULICS ENGINEERING
FINAL EXPERIMENT
TITLE: DETERMINATION AND VERIFICATION OF METER AND PITOT COEFFICIENT USING VENTURIMETER
AND PITOT TUBE THROUGH FLOW METER DEMONSTRATION APPARATUS
Objective:
To determine values of meter and pitot coefficient through the use of flow meter demonstration apparatus.
To verify the reliability of the computed meter and pitot coefficient through statistical analysis.
To get many trials with increasing precision.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):
The researchers shall be able to:
Know how to measure the values of meter and pitot coefficient through the use of flow meter demonstration
apparatus.
To know how to use and operate properly the flow meter demonstration apparatus..
Determine the relevance of venturi meter and pitot tube in the field of civil engineering.
Discussion:
Venturi Meter. In 1881, the American engineer, Clemens Herschel, invented the venture meter, which was
named by him in honor of an early Italian hydraulician, Venturi. It is a device usually installed across a pipe line for
the purpose of measuring the quantity of fluid flowing in the line.
Fig. 5.2 shows the main parts of Venturi Meter: (1) a converging section or inlet section in the shape of a
frustrum of a cone, (2) a short section of uniform diameter known as the throat, and (3) a diverging or outlet section
having a shape similar to that of the inlet section. To minimize frictional losses in the meter, the angle of divergence
of the outlet section is limited to 6 degrees.
Consider sections (1) and (2) which are at the base of the inlet section and at the throat, respectively.
Neglecting frictional losses, we write the energy equation between these sections.
Technological Institute of the Philippines 1 | Page

V 21 P1 V 22 P2
+ + z1 = + + z2
2g w 2g w
V 1V 2
In which are the mean velocities at sections (1) and (2), respectively. In the horizontal
z 1=z 2
position (Fig. 5.20), , thus reducing the above equation into
V 22 V 21 P1 P 2
= (5.24)
2 g 2g w w
Wherein the left side represents the increase in kinetic energy per unit weight from section (1) to section
(2), while the right sides gives the corresponding decrease in the potential (or pressure) energy per unit weight.
With the use of the continuity equation between the two sections, we have
A
V 1= 2 V 2 (5.25)
A1
A2
n= A 1 A 2
Where A1 , being the cross sectional areas at sections (1) and (2), respectively.
Substitution of equation (5.25) into (5.24) gives the velocity at the throat,
V 2=
2g
( p 1 p2
( 1n2 ) w w
)(5.26)
In which the pressure-head difference inside the parenthesis in the radical is calculated through the use
of the differential manometer connected as shown in fig. 5.20. It should be noted that equation (5.26) gives only the
mean theoretical velocity at the throat since initial considerations did not include frictional losses. Accordingly, the
discharge computed with this velocity also represents the theoretical flow, or
Qt =A 2 V 2 (5.27)
Which must be corrected by the multiplication of a correction factor, C, known as the meter coefficient
or discharge coefficient. The actual discharge is now written as
Qa=C Qt orC A 2 V 2 (5.27a)
z1 z2 ,
REMARK: In case the meter is not positioned horizontally or is not equal to then the
z 1z 2
difference in elevation heads, must be included in the parenthesis, together with the pressure head
difference, in equation (5.26), or
V 2=
2g p 1 p2
(
( 1n2 ) w w )
+ z1 z2 (5.26 a)

Pitot Tube. A tube with circular cross section bent in the shape of an L, as in Fig. 5.24., with both ends
open was first used by French scientist, Henri Pitot, in 1732 for measuring the velocity of liquids in an open flow.
The tube is appropriately called pitot tube.
If the tube is placed in a moving stream in such a way that the horizontal diverging part points against
the direction of motion, the liquid enters the opening at a point (2) and the fills the tube until the vertical part is filled
h
up to a height of 2 . As long as steady flow condition is maintained in the moving stream, the contained volume
inside the tube will remain constant and static equilibrium is establish within the tube. So if point (2) in Fig. 5.24
V 2=0
represents a particle of liquid just inside the tip of the tube, the velocity and the static pressure at this
p2=w h2
point, known as stagnation pressure will have a value of .
Fig. 5.2
Figure 5.24.
V1
As a particle moves from point (1) to point (2), its velocity decreases until it becomes zero upon
reaching the stagnation point, point (2). For the pathline connecting (1) and (2), the energy equation, with frictional
losses eliminated, is

V 22 P1 P2
+ = (5.33)
2g w w
P1 P2
in which =h 1 and =h 2 . Considering h2h1=h , the above equation is reduced to
w w
V 21
=h (5.33 a)
2g
Or the velocity at the upstream point (1) is

V 1= 2 gh (5.34)
REMARKS: (i) Equation (5.33a) states that the velocity head at the upstream point (1) is completely
transformed into a pressure head at point (2).
(ii) Since the frictional losses have not been considered, equation (5.34) gives only the
theoretical velocity at point (1). Proper correction must therefore be introduced into equation (5.34) to obtain the
actual velocity at (1).
Resources/ Instrument Required:
Flow meter demonstration apparatus

Venturi Meter
Pitot tube
Procedure:
1. At the bottom of the storage tank, attach the pipeline, then gate valve for control of the discharge, then
connect it to the pipeline again, and then attach it to the venture meter and pitot tube.
2. Record the diameter of the pipe and the slope of convergence of the venture meter and pitot tube.
3. Fill the storage tank with water and take the initial volume of the water in the tank.
4. Open the gate valve and after 5 seconds, record the final volume of the water in the tank, by dividing the
difference in the volume by the time will give the actual discharge in the tank.
5. Record the elevation of water in the piezometer that is connected on the inlet and the throat.

Group No.: 2 Section: CE42 FA1

Date Performed: February 10, 2016 Date Submitted:
Group Members: Instructor: Engr. Gerardo Justo
1. Dantes, Marc Daniel
2. Dela Cruz, Hans Lawrence E.
3. Justiniano, Jean Marie V.
4. Laurente, Brian Lawrence P.
5. Mallari, Joeylyn Genesis
6. Martino, Larky John
7. Morfe, Jomarie T.
8. Paris, Jonathan D.S
9. Valenzuela, Jenna
10. Zapanta Jr. Carmelo O.
Data and Computation:
Table 1.0 Venturimeter
h1 h2 Qa Qa V2 A1 A2 Qt Cv Cv
(m (m (L/H (m^3/s) (m/s) (mm (mm (m^3/s) (averag
m) m) r) ^2) ^2) e)
319 280 200 5.5556E- 0.90339 338.6 84.6 7.6427E- 0.726905 0.73756
05 78 05 67 62
324 264 250 6.9444E- 1.12052 338.6 84.6 9.4796E- 0.732562 0.73756
05 71 05 61 62
333 247 300 8.3333E- 1.34151 338.6 84.6 0.000113 0.734264 0.73756
05 64 49 27 62
342 226 350 9.7222E- 1.55802 338.6 84.6 0.000131 0.737597 0.73756
05 98 80 47 62
348 197 400 0.000111 1.77760 338.6 84.6 0.000150 0.738842 0.73756
11 49 38 52 62
352 162 450 0.000125 1.99399 338.6 84.6 0.000168 0.740996 0.73756
27 69 37 62
359 125 500 0.000138 2.21286 338.6 84.6 0.000187 0.741895 0.73756
88 38 20 62
363 80 550 0.000152 2.43354 338.6 84.6 0.000205 0.742078 0.73756
77 83 87 48 62
374 38 600 0.000166 2.65165 338.6 84.6 0.000224 0.742954 0.73756
66 12 33 09 62

Cv actual
700
600
500
400
Cv actual
Flow Rate (L/Hr) 300
200
100
0
0.7 0.8
Meter Coefficient (Cv)
Cv actual
700
600
500
400 Cv actual
Flow Rate (L/Hr) 300 Linear (Cv actual)
200
100
0
0.7 0.8

Cv mean
700
600
500
400
Cv mean
200
100
0
0.7 0.8
Cv mean VS Cv actual
700
600
500
400 Cv actual
Linear (Cv actual)
Cv mean
200
100
0
0.7 0.8

T-Test (one-tailed)
df =n2
t calc=r
n2
1r 2
Alpha = 0.05
r = 0.946033533
df =92
df =7
t calc=0.946033533
92
10.9460335332
t calc=7.72358
t tab =1.895
t calc >t tab
Table2.0 Pitot Tube

ht Hb Qa Qa V1 Diame Qt Cp Cp
(mm (mm (L/Hr (m^3/s) (m/s) ter (m^3/s) (average)
) ) ) (m)
331 323 200 5.55556E- 0.396181 0.0185 0.00010 0.521674 0.535442
05 776 65 564 683
340 328 250 6.94444E- 0.485221 0.0185 0.00013 0.532431 0.535442
05 599 04 872 683
349 332 300 8.33333E- 0.577529 0.0185 0.00015 0.536798 0.535442
05 22 52 698 683
355 332 350 9.72222E- 0.671758 0.0185 0.00018 0.538417 0.535442
05 885 06 027 683
359 329 400 0.000111 0.767202 0.0185 0.00020 0.538783 0.535442
111 711 62 173 683
367 329 450 0.000125 0.863458 0.0185 0.00023 0.538561 0.535442
163 21 588 683

373 326 500 0.000138 0.960281 0.0185 0.00025 0.538066 0.535442
889 209 81 229 683
379 322 550 0.000152 1.057515 0.0185 0.00028 0.537452 0.535442
778 957 43 294 683
386 318 600 0.000166 1.155058 0.0185 0.00031 0.536798 0.535442
667 44 05 698 683
Cp actual
700
600
500
400
Cp actual
200
100
0
0.5 0.52 0.54 0.56 0.58 0.6
Pitot Coefficient (Cp)

Cp actual
700
600
500
400 Cp actual
Flow Rate (L/Hr) 300 Linear (Cp actual)
200
100
0
0.5 0.55 0.6
Cp mean
700
600
500
400
Cp mean
200
100
0
0.5 0.52 0.54 0.56 0.58 0.6
Technological Institute of the Philippines 10 | P a g e

Cp actual VS Cp mean
700
600
500
Cp actual
400
Linear (Cp actual)
Cp mean
200
100
0
0.5 0.55 0.6
T-Test (one-tailed)
df =n2
t calc=r
n2
1r 2
Alpha = 0.05
r = 0.64799704
df =92
df =7
t calc=0.64799704
92
10.64799704 2

t calc=2.25097499
t tab =1.895
t calc >t tab
Observations:
All throughout this experimental study, the researchers observe that:
The value of meter coefficient is greater than the value of pitot coefficient.
The value of both meter and pitot coefficient decreases as the amount of flow rate decreases.
The value of theoretical flow rate is around 70% of the actual using venturimeter, while it is around 50% of
the actual flow rate using pitot tube.
Conclusion:
At the end of this experimental study, the researchers concluded that:
The relationship between coefficients (meter and pitot) and actual flow rate is significant.
Through statistical analysis, it is found out that the values computed for both meter and pitot coefficient are
reliable and verified to be true for that specific apparatus.
The average meter coefficient computed, 0.738 can be claimed to be the value of meter coefficient of that
specific apparatus and so as for average pitot coefficient, 0.0.535.
Assessment: (Rubric for Laboratory Performance):
BEGINNER ACCEPTABLE PROFICIENT

CRITERIA SCORE
1 2 3
Laboratory Skills
Manipulative Members do not demonstrate Members occasionally demonstrate Members always demonstrate needed
Skills needed skills. needed skills. skills.

Experimental Members are unable to set-up the Members are able to set-up the Members are able to set-up the
Set-up materials. materials with supervision. materials with minimum supervision.
Process Skills Members do not demonstrate Members occasionally demonstrate Members always demonstrate
targeted process skills. targeted process skills. targeted process skills.
Safety Members do not follow safety Members follow safety precautions Members follow safety precautions all
Precautions precautions. most of the time. the time.
Work Habits
Time Members finish ahead of time with
Management/ Members do not finish on time with Members finish on time with complete data and time to revise data.
Conduct of incomplete data. incomplete data.
Experiment
Cooperative Members do not know their tasks Members have defined Members are on tasks and have
and Teamwork and have no defined responsibilities. responsibilities most of the time. defined responsibilities at all times.
Group conflicts have to be settled by Group conflicts are cooperatively Group conflicts are cooperatively
the teacher. managed most of the time. managed at all times.
Neatness and Messy workplace during and after Clean and orderly workplace with Clean and orderly workplace at all
Orderliness the experiment. occasional mess during and after the times during and after the experiment.
experiment.
Ability to do Members require supervision by the Members require occasional Members do not need to be
independent teacher. supervision by the teacher. supervised by the teacher.
work
Other Comments / Observations:

TOTAL SCORE
(Total Score)
RATING = 24 x
100%
Related Readings/ Literature and Reference: (Leader)
Theoretical Fluid Mechanics: Venturi Meter
A Venturi Meter is a device that allows flow rates through pipes to be calculated by measuring the difference in
pressure created by a contraction in a pipe. When the flow goes through the contraction it must speed up, and so
the pressure must drop. By measuring the two pressures, engineers can directly calculate the velocity of the fluid.

Knowing the pipe diameter, this velocity can be converted into a flow rate.
Venturi Meters work based on the principles found in Bernoulli's equation. Here, Bernoulli's equation is set so each
term is in units of length, allowing an engineer to calculate the "head" on a pipe. Remember that for a pipe without
energy losses, H is constant.
If we can measure the elevation of each pipe segment (or if it does not change), and the pressure head using a
Piezometer (A small tube with an opening flush with the wall of the pipe), than we have one equation with two
unknowns.
If the pipe diameters are known, conservation of mass law, will give us a second equation allowing us to solve for
velocities (or flow rates).
http://www.mikesoltys.com/2011/03/15/demo-for-theoretical-fluid-mechanics-venturi-meter/
Related Readings/ Literature and Reference (Member 1)
Venturi Meter (Liquid Pipeline Hydraulics by E. Shashi Menon)

The Venturi Meter, also known as a tube meter, belongs to the category of variable-head
flow meters. The principle of a venture meter is depicted in figure below. This type of
venture meter is also known as Herschel type and consists of a smooth gradual
contraction from the main pipe size to the throat section, followed by a smooth, gradual

enlargement form the throat section to the original pipe diameter.
PITOT TUBE
Experiments in Hydraulic Engineering
By Sarbjit Singh
A Pitot, in its simplest form consists of a glass tube bent at a right angle. The tube is
vertically dipped in the flowing stream at the point where velocity is to be measured, with
the open end pointing against the direction of flow.
To measure velocity at a point, two tubes, i.e. a piezometer and a Pitot tube are to be
used. The piezometer will measure static pressure head, whereas the Pitot tube will
measure total head. The difference of levels in the tubes gives velocity head (V 2/2g).
FLOW METER
Fluid Mechanics of Flow Metering
By wolfgang Merzkirch
A method is described that allows the correction of reading of a flow meter is exposed to a
pipe meter distributed by installations upstream of the flow meter. The method aimed at
minimizing the distance between the installation and flow meter and based on
characterizing by fundamental disturbances, physically interpretable as vortical structures,
and on detection of these disturbances by measuring device located slightly upstream the
flow meter. A functional relationship between fundamental disturbances and error shift of
the flow meter postulated, and its existence is demonstrated by a number of experiments,
it is concluded that the correction method is applicable to any type of installation and flow
meter.
http://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/156583/why-are-mass-flow-rates-found-using-venturi-meter-and-pitot-
tube-different

Definition of Venturi Meter
Venturi meters are playing an increasingly important role in wet gas metering in natural gas and oil industries.
Convincible measurement of the flowrate of wet gas requires two parameters, namely, the whole mass flowrate and
its quality. It is commonly believed that the two parameters can be obtained if the Venturi meter is combined with
another device of a different principle. However, this is not always the case. Owing to the complexity of the model
for wet gas metering, the problem of multiple solutions may occur. Proceeding from a static model on the differential
pressure (DP) signal of the Venturi meter, a dynamic model is presented that can provide an extra functional relation
to resolve this problem without the need of adding a third device. This functional relation monotonously maps the
relative fluctuation of the DP signal to the quality of the wet gas and simplifies the selection of the true solution.
Experiments have been carried out within static pressure range of 0.30.8 MPa, gas flowrate range of 50100 m3/h
and quality range of 0.060.412. Emphasis of the experiments has been on the demonstration of the validity of the
static and dynamic models. Finally, appropriate discussions and conclusions are given.
Reference: Flow Measurement and Instrumentation

Volume 14, Issues 45, AugustOctober 2003, Pages 211217
Multi Phase Flow Measurement

Differential Pressure Flow Meters

T he calculation of fluid flow rate by reading the pressure loss across a pipe restriction is perhaps the most
commonly used flow measurement technique in industrial applications. Variations on the theme of differential
pressure (d/p) flow measurement include the use of pitot tubes and variable-area meters (rotameters), and are
discussed later in this chapter. Primary Element Options In the 18th century, Bernoulli first established the
relationship between static and kinetic energy in a flowing stream. As a fluid passes through a restriction, it
accelerates, and the energy for this acceleration is obtained from the fluids static pressure. Consequently, the line
pressure drops at the point of constriction. Part of the pressure drop is recovered as the flow returns to the
unrestricted pipe. The pressure differential (h) developed by the flow element is measured, and the velocity (V), the
volumetric flow (Q) and the mass flow (W) can all be calculated using the following generalized formulas: V = k
(h/D)0.5 or Q =kA(h/D)0.5 or W= kA(hD)0.5 k is the discharge coefficient of the element (which also reflects the
units of measurement), A is the crosss ectional area of the pipes opening, and D is the density of the flowing fluid.
The discharge coefficient k is influenced by the Reynolds number and by the beta ratio, the ratio between the bore
diameter of the flow restriction and the inside diameter of the pipe. Additional parameters or correction factors can
be used in the derivation of k, depending on the type of flow element used. These parameters can be computed
from equations or read from graphs and tables available from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the
American Petroleum Institute (API), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and the American Gas
Association (AGA), and are included in many of the works listed as references at the end of this chapter. The
discharge coefficients of primary elements are determined by laboratory tests that reproduce the geometry of the
installation. Published values generally represent the average value for that geometry over a minimum of 30
calibration runs. The uncertainties of these published values vary from 0.5% to 3%. By using such published
discharge coefficients, it is possible to obtain reasonably accurate flow measurements without in-place calibration.
In-place calibration is required if testing laboratories are not available or if better accuracy is desired than that
provided by the uncertainty range noted above. The relationship between flow and pressure drop varies with the
velocity profile, which can be laminar or turbulent as a function of the Reynolds number (Re), which for liquid flows
can be calculated using the relationship: Re = 3160(SG)(Q)/(ID)m where ID is the inside diameter of the pipe in
inches, Q is the volumetric liquid flow in gallons/minute, SG is the fluid specific gravity at 60F, and m is the
viscosity in centipoises. At low Reynolds numbers (generally under Re = 2,000), the flow is laminar and the velocity
profile is parabolic. At high Reynolds numbers (well over Re = 3,000), the flow becomes fully turbulent, and the
resulting mixing action produces a uniform axial velocity across the pipe.
http://www.omega.com/literature/transactions/volume4/t9904-07-diff.html
Venturi Experiment Report
Introduction:

Airflow and Venturi Experiment Report November 29th 2005 Airflow and Venturi Experiment Report Abstract While
investigating air flow through a pipe, mass flow rate was to be calculated using two methods. One method was to
measure the pressure difference of the flow across a venturi (a narrowing of the pipe) and the other was to measure
the pressure at varying radii from the pipe's centreline to the pipe's wall using a pitot tube in the flow, with the
recordings used to plot a velocity profile graph. The calculations showed that each of the two methods produce an
answer for the mass flow rate that is within 10% of the other, despite the methods being very different in terms of
their accuracy, ease and requirement of resources. It was found that for practicality the venturi method of calculating
the flow rate was preferred over the pitot method and also that is was the more accurate of the two methods. It was
also found that air velocity increases with distance from the pipe walls and decreases with the radius of the pipe.
Once the manometer had settled around a particular value, a reading from the visible leg of the manometer against
its scale was taken and recorded. The pressure tap was then set so the manometer was reading the pressure
difference between the pitot tube and the pipe boundary. The pitot tube was traversed from the pipe centreline to
the pipe boundary at intervals of 2mm. The paraffin level in the manometer was recorded as before for each value.
The pitot was then returned to the centreline and the process repeated. The entire procedure was then repeated
when the pump was set at a medium flow rate and once more at a low flow rate.
http://www.markedbyteachers.com/university-degree/engineering/airflow-and-venturi-experiment-report.html
Venturi Meter: Theory, Operations & Working
Basic principle:
When a venturi meter is placed in a pipe carrying the fluid whose flow rate is to be measured, a pressure drop

occurs between the entrance and throat of the venture meter. This pressure drop is measured using a differential
pressure sensor and when calibrated this pressure drop becomes a measure of flow rate.
Operation of venturi meter:
The fluid whose flow rate is to be measured enters the entry section of the venturi meter with a pressure P1.
As the fluid from the entry section of venturi meter flows into the converging section, its pressure keeps on reducing
and attains a minimum value P2 when it enters the throat. That is, in the throat, the fluid pressure P2 will be
minimum.
The differential pressure sensor attached between the entry and throat section of the venturi meter records the
pressure difference (P1-P2) which becomes an indication of the flow rate of the fluid through the pipe when
calibrated.
The diverging section has been provided to enable the fluid to regain its pressure and hence its kinetic energy.
Lesser the angle of the diverging section, greater is the recovery.
Applications:
It is used where high pressure recovery is required.

Can be used for measuring flow rates of water, gases, suspended solids, slurries and dirty liquids.
Can be used to measure high flow rates in pipes having diameters in a few meters.
Limitations
They are large in size and hence where space is limited, they cannot be used.
Expensive initial cost, installation and maintenance.
Require long laying length. That is, the veturimeter has to be proceeded by a straight pipe which is free
from fittings and misalignments to avoid turbulence in flow, for satisfactory operation. Therefore,
straightening vanes are a must.
Cannot be used in pipes below 7.5cm diameter.
https://learnprotocols.wordpress.com/2012/07/21/venturi-meter-theory-operations-working/
Measuring flow rate with a pitot tube
A pitot tube is used to determine the velocity of a fluid flowing through a pipe. It works by using a manometer-like

attachment to measure the difference in pressure between two points in a pipe, which makes it possible to
determine the velocity of the fluid in the pipe using Bernoulli's equation. In this Demonstration, you can vary either
the manometer fluid height or the velocity of the fluid in the pipe to see how these two variables are related. You can
vary the density of the fluid in the manometer for appropriate ranges of fluid velocities and manometer heights. Note
that the height and velocity scales are different for the two options.
Details:
Pitot tubes are used to measure the velocity of a fluid moving through a pipe by taking advantage of the fact that the
velocity at the height of the bend in the tube (stagnation point) is zero. Some kinetic energy density of the fluid
flowing through the pipe is converted into pressure, resulting in a change in manometer height. Bernoulli's equation
is used to calculate the velocity of the bulk fluid in the pipe by using this pressure difference in the pitot tube.
All terms on the left-hand side represent the stagnation point (entrance of the pitot tube); here is the stagnation
pressure and is zero. All terms on the right side refer to point 2, a point upstream from the pitot tube. The two points
that are being evaluated are at the same height, so and drop out.
http://demonstrations.wolfram.com/MeasuringFlowRatesWithAPitotTube/
Measuring fluid velocity with a Pitot tube.

Measurement of air velocity is a common use of pitot tubes, but they can be used to measure the velocity of other
fluids as well. In order to determine velocity, the pitot tube measures the difference between stagnation pressure
and static pressure. A value for the fluid density is also needed.
Understanding of the terms, static pressure, stagnation pressure and dynamic pressure is very helpful in the
explanation of pitot tubes, so they are being defined in this section.
Static pressure is what is commonly called simply the pressure of the fluid. Its a measure of the amount that fluid
pressure exceeds local atmospheric pressure. It is measured through a flat opening that is parallel with the fluid
flow. Static pressure measurement is illustrated with the first U-tube manometer in the diagram at the left.
Stagnation pressure is also a measure of the amount that fluid pressure exceeds local atmospheric pressure, but
it includes the effect of the fluid velocity converted to pressure. It is measured through a flat opening that is
perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow and facing into the fluid flow. Stagnation pressure (also called total
pressure) measurement is illustrated with the second U-tube manometer in the diagram at the left.
Dynamic pressure (also called velocity pressure) is a measure of the amount that the stagnation pressure exceeds
static pressure at a point in a fluid. It can also be interpreted as the pressure created by reducing the kinetic energy
to zero. Its measurement is illustrated with the third U-tube in the diagram at the left.
http://www.brighthubengineering.com/hydraulics-civil-engineering/58382-how-to-measure-fluid-velocity-with-a-pitot-
tube/

Dynamic & Static Pressures
As aircraft depend on the flow of air over and under their wings to generate lift. There is a need to measure that
airflow so that the speed through the air can be shown to the pilot on the instrument panel. The same applies also
for indication of altitude and vertical speed.
With this information the pilot can keep the aircraft flying at the correct speed and land at the slowest speed
possible without overrunning the runway.
The pitot static system measures this airflow and static/dynamic pressure for presentation to the pilot on several of
the basic flight instruments. This page takes a look at how this is accomplished.
Static Pressure
Air pressure is measured by two sensors: the static port and pitot tube. On some aircraft these are integrated in one
probe and others have more than one static port to equalize pressure differences around the fuselage. These
pressure differences occur due to slip / skid by the aircraft and/or turbulence.
Air molecules
The air exerts a pressure equally in all directions at any point in the atmosphere, this is called static pressure. This
pressure results from the weight of the air molecules above that point and it decreases with a gain in altitude. This is
how an altimeter operates.
The name implies that there is no involvement with the movement of the aircraft through the air, the measurement is
done with a port (hole) facing at a right angle (90) to the airflow, usually at the fuselage but sometimes included in
the pitot tube.
Dual ports
Most experimental aircraft have only one static port but ideally would be two on either side of the fuselage. These
two ports are then connected with a flexible hose and from a tee fitting routed to the instrument panel. The
advantage is that when the aircraft slips or flies in turbulence, no air pressure is measured in the static port.
Dynamic Pressure
As air has mass (from the molecules) and air in motion has dynamic (kinetic) energy which is converted to pressure
the moment a body tries to stop or slow it down. This is called dynamic pressure. Usually measured in a tube (pitot)

and it includes static pressure at that point too.
Speed
Dynamic pressure is mathematically expressed as: 1/2 V2, as we all know from aerodynamics. It shows clearly
that dynamic pressure relies on two things: air density (rho, ) and aircraft speed (V).
Air density
Density itself depends on a number of factors: altitude, humidity, temperature and ambient air pressure. All of these
factors together will result in a number of different speeds available for the aircraft: IAS (indicated), CAS (corrected),
EAS (equivalent) and TAS (true); see aircraft speeds for more detail on this.
Note: for the most optimum aircraft and engine performance you need thick air, ie. cold, low humidity air. Which is in
general experienced during winter time!
Pitot pressure
The total air pressure as measured in a pitot tube (named after Henry Pitot) consists of these variables: static and
dynamic pressure. The airspeed indicator has connections to both pitot and static lines and thus is able to
mechanically subtract static pressure to indicate dynamic pressure on the instrument face (ASI).
http://www.experimentalaircraft.info/articles/aircraft-pitot-pressure.php

Documentation:
Venturi Meter Pitot tube
Installing of venturimeter into flow meter apparatus Connecting rubber tubing into venturimeter and pitot
tube

Flow meter demonstration Apparatus Releasing of trapped air bubbles
Leveling of pressure heads

Adjustment of flow rate and reading pressure head

The Group

Hydraulics Finalexpt

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HYDRAULICS ENGINEERING

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):

The researchers shall be able to:

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Or the velocity at the upstream point (1) is

Resources/ Instrument Required:

Flow meter demonstration apparatus

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Group No.: 2 Section: CE42 FA1

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Meter Coefficient (Cv)

Meter Coefficient (Cv)

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Meter Coefficient (Cv)

Meter Coefficient (Cv)

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t calc >t tab

Table2.0 Pitot Tube

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Pitot Coefficient (Cp)

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Pitot Coefficient (Cp)

Pitot Coefficient (Cp)

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Pitot Coefficient (Cp)

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t calc >t tab

All throughout this experimental study, the researchers observe that:

At the end of this experimental study, the researchers concluded that:

Assessment: (Rubric for Laboratory Performance):

BEGINNER ACCEPTABLE PROFICIENT

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Other Comments / Observations:

Related Readings/ Literature and Reference: (Leader)

Theoretical Fluid Mechanics: Venturi Meter

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Related Readings/ Literature and Reference (Member 1)

Venturi Meter (Liquid Pipeline Hydraulics by E. Shashi Menon)

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Related Readings/ Literature and Reference (Member 2)

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Reference: Flow Measurement and Instrumentation

Related Readings/ Literature and Reference (Member 3)

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Differential Pressure Flow Meters

Related Readings/ Literature and Reference (Member 4)

Venturi Experiment Report

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Related Readings/ Literature and Reference (Member 5)

Venturi Meter: Theory, Operations & Working

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Operation of venturi meter:

It is used where high pressure recovery is required.

Related Readings/ Literature and Reference (Member 6)

Measuring flow rate with a pitot tube

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Related Readings/ Literature and Reference (Member 7)

Measuring fluid velocity with a Pitot tube.

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Related Readings/ Literature and Reference (Member 8)

Dynamic & Static Pressures